SHILLONG : Two persons have been arrested for allegedly ramming into Traffic Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl SP) Lovish Garg while attempting to evade a midnight naka at Urkaliar in Shillong and have been remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody.
Police have also claimed that material evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that the two accused are members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).
SP in-charge Traffic, East Khasi Hills, Hari Prasath M R, said the special naka was jointly manned by personnel from the local police station, Traffic Police and SOTs between 11 pm and 2 am.
“There was a bike with a rider and pillion trying to evade the naka around 1:30 am. When Additional SP (Traffic) tried to stop them, they ran over him and he got injured. Both were arrested and the vehicle was seized,” Prasath said.
The two accused have been booked under sections relating to attempt to murder, disobeying the order of a public servant and causing grievous injury to a public servant.
Garg sustained injuries to his legs and head and is currently stable.
“He has been shifted to hospital, stitches have been done. His condition is stable,” Prasath said.
Police say duo were drunk
According to the Traffic SP, medical examination found that both accused were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
“During medical examination they were found drunk, so that may be one of the reasons. Further interrogation and examination are on,” he said.
Police claim material evidence of KSU link
On the alleged KSU connection, Prasath said police were not proceeding merely on the basis of assumptions.
Asked whether the two were suspected to be KSU members, he said, “Yes. Interrogation is on and whatever has been found has been said in the press release.”
Responding to denials by relatives, he maintained that police had material evidence to support their claim.
“We have material evidence. Our statement is based on material evidence. Based on those we have framed the sections,” he said.
Prasath added that some evidence could not be disclosed publicly at this stage as the investigation and interrogation were still underway.
“There are a few evidences which can’t be revealed to the general public,” he said.
Police revise naka safety protocols
Following the incident, police have also revised safety protocols for personnel deployed at nakas.
Prasath said personnel had been briefed on how to respond when vehicle violators become aggressive or attempt to flee.
He said information about vehicles attempting to escape would be promptly passed to the next junction to help police intercept them.